Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley, the son of Grammy Award-winning artist Stephen Marley and the grandson of reggae great Bob Marley, has passed away. He was 31.
His passing was confirmed to Rolling Stone on Tuesday by a spokesman.
Journalist Abka Fitz-Henley originally tweeted about Jo Mersa’s passing; according to WZPP Radio, the musician was “discovered in his vehicle.” His reason of death hasn’t been made public yet.
Jo Mersa, who was born in Jamaica in 1991, reportedly relocated to Miami when she was 11 years old. Before enrolling at Miami Dade College to study studio engineering, he attended Palmetto High School. Jo Mersa, one of the 11 offspring of the late reggae musician Bob, was introduced to music at a young age while being nurtured by his father Stephen, 50.
Jo Mersa started writing music in middle school, and in 2010, he and his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley released their debut song together, “My Girl.” Jo Mersa released his debut EP, Comfortable, in 2014. Eternal, his second EP, was published last year.
Jo Mersa revealed during the promotion of the songs that his grandfather, who passed away in 1981 at the age of 36, spoke to Reggaeville.com about his legacy and how his family still talks about the times they shared with him.
He spoke at the time, saying, “We always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as a family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, above all love.
A politician from Jamaica named Mark J. Golding sent a moving message on Twitter lamenting the passing of Jo Mersa on Tuesday.
“I recently learned of Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley’s tragic passing. A gifted young reggae musician who is only 31 years old and the grandson of Bob Marley and Stephen Marley “He composed. “My condolences to Stephen and the entire family. The loss of a child is a tragic blow no parent should have to endure.”
Shaggy, a Jamaican-American reggae performer, also shared a photo of Jo Mersa on Instagram.
“So saddened by the news of the passing of this young king @jomersamarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family,” he wrote in the caption.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, also honored Jo Mersa following his death.
Holness, 50, called his passing “a major loss to the music as we look to the next generation” and added, “My profound sympathy to Joseph’s friends and acquaintances, to the Reggae music fraternity, and to Reggae music fans everywhere.”
During this time of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for one another, he said, “May he find Eternal Peace as we lament his loss.”
Jo Mersa left behind his wife and child.
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